Required for : MMA, MA, PhD

Typical Semester : Fall (Wednesday afternoons)

Typically Taught By : Austin Becker

Graduate seminar examining contemporary marine affairs and professional development.

Course Description:
Marine Affairs encompasses a diversity of disciplinary fields (law, oceanography, political science, international relations, economics, sociology, history, anthropology, archaeology) whose distinctive ways of knowing are integrated when creating and implementing policies to address contemporary coastal and ocean activities. Over the 50+ year history of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, we have been fortunate to participate in many major coastal and ocean topics of our times. This seminar is devoted to two key themes: 1) Supporting new MAF graduate students as they launch their degree program, develop community, and identify key resources in the department and the University; 2) learn about  key MAF research and topics through the eyes of MAF professors and friends of the Department.

Course Goals
– Build and support cohort and community between students, staff, and faculty
– Introduce students to research being conducted by MAF faculty
– Develop grad student research and professional skills to bridge you from graduate school to the next phase of your career
– Facilitate a thesis/project brainstorming process for you

Student Learning Outcomes:
In addition to providing students with an overview of research being conducted by MAF faculty, students taking the seminar should be able to:
– Provide a clear plan that outlines the courses, deadlines, and key milestones for their graduate program
– Clearly express ideas for a major project, paper, or thesis, including potential major advisor
– Identify relevant centers and resources on the URI campus
– Utilize basic research and writing resources (Endnote, advanced Word tools, Google Scholar, Grad writing center)

Prerequisites and format:
This course is interdisciplinary and open to all Marine Affairs Graduate students.

Participation and class exercises:
Participation is required. The students in this class have a diversity of backgrounds and interests and each of you can benefit from the insights of the others. In addition to class discussion, there will be in-class exercises designed to help you support each other through your program, learn about resources on campus, and connect with others in the Marine Affairs wider community.